Coming off one of the most successful years in recent memory for Saint Louis University Billikens sports, it’s all about momentum.
From students in Griesedieck Hall to alumni throughout the city of St. Louis, a nervous excitement fills the blood of Billiken fans as the school builds on a handful of young teams who surpassed expectations during the 2009-2010 school year and look to raise the bar once again this season.
The men’s soccer team, a young squad that will be returning eight of 11 starters, reshapes itself under a new head coach and a new strategic system.
The Bills were Atlantic 10 Champions in 2009 and were recently selected as the favorite to hold the title this season.
The volleyball team, thriving under the direction of head coach Anne Kordes, works to improve upon their conference championship birth and an invitation to the NCAA tournament last season.
The baseball team, after a slow end to the regular season, shocked the entire conference at the A-10 Tournament by twice upsetting the favorite Charlotte and earning SLU’s first A-10 Championship in baseball since 2006.
Last year’s success in soccer, volleyball, and baseball has once again made SLU relevant on the college athletics radar. NCAA Tournament appearances in each of those sports undoubtedly translates to better recruits, a more involved fan base and a raising of expectations for SLU athletics in St. Louis and around the United States.
And this year, count on the men’s basketball team to continue to raise those expectations.
In his third year of coaching, Rick Majerus took the youngest team in Division 1 basketball last year and transformed them into a serious A-10 threat. Without a single player on the active roster above the age of 20, even a season as successful as that one can at best be viewed as a building year, a launching pad for future teams.
“We’re only going to get better,” says Michael Putnam, president of SLU’s basketball cheering section.
“This is such a great year to be a Billiken fan, especially in basketball.”
Men’s basketball games at Chaifetz Arena highlight the otherwise cold winter months on SLU’s campus. Along with a handful of free t-shirts, stadium giveaways and stomach-stretching tailgates, the basketball team provides more than enough excitement for an electrified college campus.
SLU’s Athletic Department also recognizes the benefit of a rowdy student section. On numerous occasions, SLU players and coaches have noted the significant impact a large and supportive student section can have on the game.
Last season a multitude of opposing coaches, including Dayton’s Brian Gregory, and a handful of visiting players, including Temple’s Juan Fernandez, noted Chaifetz Arena as one of the toughest places to play in the NCAA.
With a growing team, and a handful of new incentives, SLU students look to make this year even tougher.
The Athletic Department recently announced a point system as incentive for students to attend home sporting events. Just by attending games, students can rack up points to receive free t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, basketball jerseys, and even a television. The system applies to all men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball and basketball games.
The basketball season ticket package includes discounts at local restaurants, admission to pre-game tailgates, a bonus in the point system and a guaranteed seat at every Billiken home game.
Every other sport is completely free for students, and many include promotions throughout the season.
“The SLU student body is an integral part of all athletic events,” says Athletic Director Chris May. “It’s going to be an exciting year on the playing fields and courts, and the SLU student body’s presence and enthusiasm will again be critical to the Billikens’ success.”
The Athletic Department looks to rename and “rebrand” the student section for basketball games and is currently gathering suggestions and ideas from the student body.
They are aware of the awesome impact students can have on any given game. Soccer players, volleyball players, and basketball players alike will say that a loud and proud student section can have a bigger impact than most realize.
With the addition of new initiatives – and more importantly, with the success of Billiken athletics – the coming school year looks to provide for an once-in-a-lifetime fan experience.
